narrative
Americannoun
-
a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.
-
a book, literary work, etc., containing such a story.
-
the art, technique, or process of narrating, or of telling a story.
Somerset Maugham was a master of narrative.
-
a story that connects and explains a carefully selected set of supposedly true events, experiences, or the like, intended to support a particular viewpoint or thesis.
to rewrite the prevailing narrative about masculinity; the narrative that our public schools are failing.
adjective
-
consisting of or being a narrative.
a narrative poem.
-
of or relating to narration, or the telling of a story.
My English teacher's narrative skill makes characters seem to come to life.
-
Fine Arts. representing stories or events pictorially or sculpturally.
narrative painting.
noun
-
an account, report, or story, as of events, experiences, etc
-
the part of a literary work that relates events
-
the process or technique of narrating
adjective
-
telling a story
a narrative poem
-
of or relating to narration
narrative art
Related Words
Narrative, account, recital, history are terms for a story of an event or events. Narrative is the general term (for a story long or short; of past, present, or future; factual or imagined; told for any purpose; and with or without much detail). The other three terms apply primarily to factual stories of time already past. An account is usually told informally, often for entertainment, with emphasis on details of action, whether about an incident or a series of happenings. A recital is an extended narrative usually with an informative purpose, emphasizing accuracy and exhaustive details of facts and figures. A history, usually written and at some length, is characterized by a tracing of causes and effects, and by an attempt to estimate, evaluate, and interpret facts.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of narrative
First recorded in 1445–55; from Middle French narratif (adjective and noun), from Late Latin narrātīvus “narration” (noun), “suitable for narration” (adjective), from narrāt(us) “related, told” (past participle of narrāre “to relate, tell, say”) + -īvus, adjective suffix; equivalent to narrate ( def. ) + -ive ( def. )
Explanation
A narrative is a story that you write or tell to someone, usually in great detail. A narrative can be a work of poetry or prose, or even song, theater, or dance. Often a narrative is meant to include the "whole story." A summary will give a few key details and then the narrative will delve into the details. "I hate to interrupt your narrative," is a polite way of stopping someone in the middle of a story. The origin of this noun is the Latin adjective narrativus, from narrare "to tell," from gnarus "knowing." It is related to our English verb know.
Vocabulary lists containing narrative
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 5
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With 25 lots currently in its portfolio, four homes completed and two sold, Ocean Development offers a counterpoint to the narrative that investors will inevitably upend the character that made Altadena so beloved.
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
That narrative will be vital as the company tries to wrestle investor attention from its larger peers.
From Barron's • May 20, 2026
“Plaintiff deliberately crafted a salacious narrative designed to achieve maximum press coverage and inflict maximum pain; unfortunately, it has succeeded despite its falsity,” the countersuit said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
United States acknowledged, location data is especially revealing because movement forms narrative and human beings tell stories through where they go.
From Slate • May 20, 2026
As Grove worked on the book, White asked him, in a letter, if the narrative could be told in the third person.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
